KnitCulture - Part 2

Trunk Show Preview: Dream in Color Yarn

April 5th, 2012

Nancy Leuer and Veronica Van of Dream in Color Yarn, met while working at Four Winds Waldorf School in Warrenville, IL. They later opened small yarn store together – Fringe, A Knitting Salon in Aurora, IL.

Dream in Color Yarn began with a search for the perfect variegated yarn. “We had been looking for a good machine-washable, hand-dyed yarn for our store that was good for kids but not too busy,” says Veronica. Since, at the time, the gals couldn’t find the subtle variegation they envisioned, they tried dyeing their own yarn. The result: a true variegated yarn with shifts in color that occur organically during their unique dyeing process. dreamincolor1

Nancy and Veronica use a holistic approach when developing new colors for their yarn. “If you’re looking at a tree, you’ll see green, but that green is actually tons of different shades of green depending on where the light hits the tree.”

Before committing to a new colorway, they wear it around and try it on different skin tones. “Our goal has always been wearable, accessible colorways,” says Veronica. Later this year Dream in Color Yarn will release three new yarns: a light worsted, a luxury worsted and Wisp – a drapey, lace weight yarn, made out of 50% merino wool and 50% silk.

The Dream in Color Yarn trunk show on Thursday, April 12th, will include luscious new colors in both Smooshy and Starry. Plus, two momijari-shawl2 gorgeous patterns from designer Beth Kling. Momijigari was originally designed for the Dream Club and was only recently made available on Ravelry. But, you can get a free copy when you visit Knit Culture Studio during Yarn Crawl L.A. County! The other free pattern? Well, you’ll have to stop by to find out!

Check back often for more details. Or, better yet, sign up for our newsletter for weekly updates on newly stocked yarn, sale events, coupons, and other yarny goodness. As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve got a LOT planned for Yarn Crawl L.A. County. Lots of trunk shows, raffle prizes, free patterns, demos, and lots of new yarn!

Ok, back to my WIPs. See you at the crawl!
-Emma

Tags: designer trunk show, dream in color, Nancy Leuer, new yarn, smooshy, Starry, Veronica Van, yarn crawl, Yarn Crawl L.A. County
Posted in Dream in Color Yarn, Our Favorite Designers, Trunk Shows, Yarn Crawl LA County 2012 | No Comments »

What to Knit with Classic Elite Embrace

April 5th, 2012

What do you make with 625 yards of hand dyed Italian cashmere? Classic Elite has four ideas for you, and the patterns are free with purchase.

The Cropped Cardi (top left) takes just a single skein for all sizes (up to 47″ bust).

The Embrace Wrap (top right) is one size and takes just one skein.

The Rib and Cable Scarf (bottom left) is one size and takes just one skein.

The Classic Cardigan (bottom right) takes two skeins and is sized up to 50″ bust.

Don’t you deserve a little luxury knitting? Stop by the store to see the yarn in person or check it out on our site. We have several beautiful colors, and as always with Embrace, once these colors are gone they will never be repeated.

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Designer Profile: Ruby Submarine

April 3rd, 2012

Designer Leah Coccari-Swift, aka Ruby Submarine, learned to knit from her grandmother when she was four years old. She earned a BA in Studio Art, specializing in painting, drawing, and bookmaking. Leah, her husband and her guinea pig (Louis and Spike, respectively) are all transplants from Wisconsin.

Two years ago Leah began designing handknits and crocheted goldsilkstar3 critters. Leah’s art and design draws inspiration from the colors and textures of marine plant life.

“I’ve been obsessed with the ocean since I was little,” she explains. Growing up every summer her family would travel to either the west or east coast to visit family and go to the beach. “I loved exploring the tide pools and finding amazing, cute and sometimes scary creatures lurking around.”

Leah has a knack for expressing oceanic elements through yarn and fiber. The Medusa Loop Scarf is a thick tangle of purls that can be worn a myriad of different ways and knits up quickly in chunky yarn like Malabrigo Chunky or Rowan Cocoon. Her crocheted squids and octopi almost look sentient; like they might slink away when your back is turned.

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Last year, Ruby Submarine released the Kitefish Shawlette with us at Vogue Knitting Live. Shown below in Baah! La Jolla, this shawlette is worked in four sections using basic stitches and clever short-row shaping to create a unique kite-shaped shawl. (If you’re new to short-rows, or simply need a refresher, check out our class on Successful Short Rows, taught by Lori Lober.)

You can find more of Leah’s ready-made line here, or, tricolor-kitefish6-bright stop in Knit Culture Studio during Yarn Crawl L.A. County and chat with her in person! On April 13th, Ruby Submarine will be in the store with crocheted octopi and stripey hats in a variety of colors and sizes, and original patterns available for purchase. I’m not too handy with a crochet hook, but I’ve got to give these stash-busting cephalopods a try!

-Emma

Tags: designer trunk show, leah coccari-swift, Malabrigo Chunky, Medusa Loop Scarf, ruby submarine, Yarn Crawl L.A., Yarn Crawl L.A. County
Posted in Our Favorite Designers, Trunk Shows, Yarn Crawl LA County 2012 | 2 Comments »

Designer Profile: Crafty Diversions

March 29th, 2012

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Anne Kuo Lukito of Crafty Diversions is a knitwear designer based in Southern California. Anne began knitting in 2006, initially just to pass time during her long train commute. It wasn’t long after casting-on for the first time that Anne began writing her own fresh, innovative patterns.

Crafty Diversions came out of Anne’s need to unleash her creativity. To date, Anne’s designs have been seen in several knitting books and magazines, including Interweave Knits, Twist Collective, Knitscene, and Knitty. Hundreds of knitters have cast on Lukito’s Pfeifer Falls Hooded Scarf, and the Weekend Shawl. Whether you’re into cables, lace, or colorwork, you’ll find that the Crafty Diversions pattern line offers something special for every knitter. (I’m partial to the cable patterning in Audra, pictured left.)

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Last year we had the pleasure of unveiling two of Anne’s original brioche patterns, Anacortes and Lakedale, at Vogue Knitting Live. This year, we will be hosting the Crafty Diversions trunk show during Yarn Crawl L.A. County.

As an added bonus, Anne is offering a free brioche demo at 4pm on Saturday April 14th! If you’ve ever wanted to knit brioche, you won’t want to miss out; Anne is a certified knitting instructor and simply a joy to hang around. Aside from knitwear design, Anne dabbles in hand-painting yarn and fabrics, spinning and jewelry metalsmithing.

Tags: Anne Lukito, brioche, crafty diversions, designer trunk show, Weekend Shawl, Yarn Crawl L.A. County
Posted in Our Favorite Designers, Trunk Shows, Yarn Crawl LA County 2012 | 1 Comment »

Trunk Show Preview: Baah! Yarn

March 26th, 2012

Baah! Yarn produces original, hand-painted yarns in unforgettable hues. The color palette is vibrant and sophisticated; each bright skein an homage to the tropical landscapes of Mira’s childhood.

Mira Cole was born in Indonesia and moved to Hawaii as a young girl. She went back to Indonesia in her early twenties and began teaching classes in oil and watercolor painting. Mira became well known for her choice in colors and one of Mira’s paintings is still on display in Munich at the Deutsches Museum.

For the last ten years, Mira has been teaching knitting classes in Southern California. Baah! Yarn was born out of Mira’s realization that many of her knitting students and clients trusted her with color and pattern selection. In 2011, inspired by nature’s vivid palette, Mira began dyeing her own yarn.

Baah! Yarn features two weights: La Jolla, a fingering weight, and the DK weight Sonoma, both made out of 100% superwash Merino wool.
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La Jolla is perfect for knitting up a lucky pair of socks. Or, a luminous summer shawl, like Ruby Submarine’s Kitefish Shawlette, worked in La Jolla “Gray Onyx” and “Yellow Orchid.” We love the gentle color shifts that add interest without muddling stitch definition. (I can’t wait to try out some fair isle motifs when Sonoma arrives in the store!)

KnitCulture Studio will host the Baah! Yarn trunk show on Thursday, April 12th during Yarn Crawl L.A. County. Remember, by purchasing a passport to Yarn Crawl L.A. you can enter to win some amazing prize packages from vendors like SweetGeorgia Yarns, Brown Sheep Co., Lornas Laces and many more!

-Emma

Tags: baah, Baah! Yarn, designer trunk show, la jolla, Mira Cole, sonoma DK, superwash merino
Posted in Baah! Yarn, Our Favorite Designers, Trunk Shows, Yarn Crawl LA County 2012 | No Comments »

Trunk Show Preview: Ewe Ewe Yarns

March 22nd, 2012

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After earning her degree in Graphic Design at Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, Heather Walpole relocated to Oceanside with her soon-to-be-husband Thomas. Heather – a new knitter, long-time designer – saw the potential artistry in handknits. In the summer of 2004, she opened a hip knit shop – NobleKnits West.

But it wasn’t long before Heather’s heart once again turned to design, and in 2007 she closed the shop and began a successful freelance design business. Encouraged by her sister Nancy Queen, Heather developed Ewe Ewe Yarns.

“Washable wool of this quality ensures the gifts you knit will never sit in a drawer!”

eweewe11 Soft on the hand and with a lively color palette, Ewe Ewe Woolly Worsted is 100% Australian merino wool spun in Italy. An affordable luxury yarn with an excellent sheen and bounce. Moreover, this yarn is completely machine washable.

You can see some of Heather’s line of original patterns, such as the “Contessa Cover-Up” modeled by Heather herself top-right, on April 12th, during the Ewe Ewe Yarns trunk show at KnitCulture Studio. Plus, Ewe Ewe Yarns will be releasing a brand new baby blanket pattern exclusively at KnitCulture Studio! Yet, another reason to stop in KnitCulture Studio during the first annual Yarn Crawl L.A. County.

Speaking of yarn crawl . . . have you purchased your passport yet? Passports are available for purchase at the Yarn Crawl L.A. County website and at participating stores. Passports are just $5, and, by turning in your stamped passport at the end of the event, offer yarn crawlers the chance to win fabulous prizes from event sponsors.

-Emma

Tags: designer trunk show, Ewe Ewe Wooly Worsted, Ewe Ewe Yarns, Heather Walpole, knitwear designer, Yarn Crawl L.A. County, Yarn Crawl trunk show
Posted in Ewe Ewe Yarns, Our Favorite Designers, Trunk Shows, Yarn Crawl LA County 2012 | No Comments »

Designer Profile: Noir Knits

March 20th, 2012

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Annika Barranti is the knitwear wizard behind Noir Knits. Last year, Noir Knits was on our designer roster for Vogue Knitting Live, and her “Posy Cardi” has since become one of her most popular kiddie patterns. So far, 2012 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Noir Knits.

“I’ve been designing nonstop with very little to show for it, but for the best of reasons!”

In January, Annika released an exclusive pattern for Ewe Ewe Yarns made in the cuddly, kid-friendly Wooly Worsted. The “Flower Fairy Hat” pattern knits up in a jiffy for your little garden sprite on US size 7 DPNs. emmett-225x300

Currently, Annika has another design underway for a different yarn company collection, and a pattern soon to debut in Petite Purls. To top it all off, she will be featured in her first print magazine later this year!

The Noir Knits trunk show will be on display in the store on April 13th. You’ll find kits and printed copies of Annika’s patterns, such as “Emmett” and “Posy Cardi”, available for purchase during the Yarn Crawl. If all goes according to plan, we can expect to see a brand new pattern from Noir Knits: the “Paw Print Cardi” knit up in Lornas Laces Hono r.

posy-cardi-mang1 For more information about yarns used in any of Annika’s patterns, check out her site. Better yet, stop in KnitCulture Studio during Yarn Crawl L.A. County and meet the designer herself!

-Emma

Tags: annika barranti, designer trunk show, Ewe Ewe, knits for kids, Lornas Laces Honor, noir knits, Posy Cardi, Trunk Show, Wooly Worsted, Yarn Crawl L.A.
Posted in Lorna's Laces, Our Favorite Designers, Trunk Shows, Yarn Crawl LA County 2012 | No Comments »

Yarn Crawl L.A. County: April 12th – 15th, 2012

March 15th, 2012

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Mark your calendar: April 12th through the 15th, yarn stores throughout the L.A. area will open their doors for the first ever Yarn Crawl L.A. County!

Be sure to check out KnitCulture Studio during the crawl, you won’t want to miss out on new yarns from Knit Collage, Baah! Yarns, Dream in Color and much more. Plus, new knitting bags from Slipped Stitch Studios, designer trunk shows, and exclusive patterns!
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We’re pretty excited about our trunk show line-up and and designer visits on the agenda so far:
Army of Knitters
Dream in Color Yarn
Ewe Ewe Yarns
Baah! Yarns
Crafty Diversions
Noir Knits
Ruby Submarine

Check back here for more information about our featured designers and special store-wide events. If you knit, spin, crochet or otherwise hoard yarn, save the date for this glorious, fiber-centric weekend!

Tags: aok, army of knitters, Baah! Yarns, crafty diversions, Dream in Color Yarn, Ewe Ewe Yarns, knit collage, KnitCulture Studio Events, L.A. County Events, LA Yarn Crawl, noir knits, ruby submarine, Slipped Stitch Studios, Trunk Show, Yarn Crawl L.A. County
Posted in Knit Collage, Sales, Trunk Shows, Yarn Crawl LA County 2012 | No Comments »

Whimsical Little Knits Books 3

March 11th, 2012

With her newest book, Ysolda adds to her growing collection of quick knitting projects. Inside you’ll find a wide array of small projects that make lovely gifts. Since Ysolda Teague’s Whimsical Little Knits Book 3 arrived in the store, we’ve been completely captivated by these charming patterns.

Of all the wonderful patterns, the ‘Oxidize’ hat, shown here in A Verb for Keeping Warm Slick, has a special place in our hearts. Last year Ysolda released this never-before-seen pattern with us at Vogue Knitting Live.

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea, the ‘Not-So-Tiny Slippers’ knit up super quick in a bulky weight yarn like Spud andChloe Outer , or even Sweet Harmony by Amy Butler for Rowan. If you’re familiar with Ysolda’s patterns, these Mary Jane’s may ring a bell - they are actually the grown-up version of the ‘Tiny Slippers’ pattern found in the first Whimsical Little Knits. Wouldn’t a pair of these be perfect for international flights? Or loafing around a creaky old beach house?!

Stop in this week see for yourself why Ysolda’s new book is sure to become a classic. Ysolda’s newest designs combine glamour, whimsy and clever design elements. Each pattern reads clearly, offering both written instructions and charts wherever appropriate. The book itself is bright and cheerful and makes an excellent addition to your knitting library.

- Emma

Tags: a verb for keeping warm, avfkw, spud and chloe, sweet harmony, whimsical little knits 3, wlk3, ysolda, ysolda teague
Posted in A Verb For Keeping Warm, Our Favorite Designers, Spud and Chloe | No Comments »

Designer of the Month: Carina Spencer

February 29th, 2012

Carina Spencer already had a career–as a personal chef specializing in natural foods–when the knitwear design bug bit her. She’s also a mother, which I’m sure inspired many of her lovely designs for babies and children. And there’s no question that she has an incredible sense of style, fiber, and color.

We’re delighted to be hosting a trunk show of Carina’s patterns in our LA store. Come try on Catkin, as I did (mine is still on the needles and sadly neglected for baby knitting), see Whippoorwill (shown above) with Liz’s lovely blue version (and mine in aqua until I remember to bring it home!), as well as her gorgeous baby items, like the Gift Wrap Bonnet, pictured here.

The biggest surprise for me is how much I love Scalene. It wasn’t really on my radar until I tried on the sample. Now it’s calling to me to knit one for myself!

We have to return the samples to Carina by mid-month, so hurry over to the shop if you’re in the neighborhood. You may find that you just have to knit one (or more) of Carinas lovely patterns.

Happy Knitting!
-Annika

Tags: carina spencer, catkin, designer, gift wrap, knitting patterns, small things, Trunk Show, whippoorwill
Posted in Designer of the Month, Trunk Shows | No Comments »